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29 Feb, 2024 by Luis
We had an incredible experience with Kathy! She's not only super knowledgeable but also really attentive to every detail of our case. What truly made her stand out was her commitment to fairness and respect for everyone involved. It was crucial for us to handle things amicably, especially considering the best interests of our child, and Kathy nailed it. Unlike some lawyers we talked to before choosing her, she never encouraged us to play dirty. Her integrity was through the roof, and she delivered great results, getting us everything we asked for while always prioritizing what was best for our child above all else. For anyone looking for a lawyer who absolutely has your back, achieves great outcomes, and keeps your child’s welfare at heart, we can’t recommend her enough.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Chris
Thank you to Kathy, I feel blessed to have Kathy by my side during my divorce journey. My experience was unique and demanded an extra level of attention and care, which Kathy provided. She dotted my i's and crossed my t's, steering me towards a better outcome. What truly sets Kathy apart is her genuine care, attentive listening, and vested interest in her clients' well-being. She's not just a legal advocate; she becomes apart of the battle (apart of my new family) who fights tirelessly when necessary, yet knows when to pause and reassess. Kathy's knack for thinking outside the box and asking insightful questions prompted me to stop and reconsider MANY aspects of my case.  Needing an attorney is never a joyful experience, but having someone like Kathy in your corner makes all the difference. Kathy, your unwavering belief in ME means the world. Thank you!
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08 Jan, 2024 by Anna
I'm so glad that I found Kathy! She answered all my questions clearly, which made me feel more at ease. Kathy is bright, knowledgeable, and responsive. She truly cares about her clients and wants the best outcome for them. I wish I've hired Kathy for my case as I believe it'd have been completed long ago because of her efficiency, clarity, and great communication skills.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Haohui
She is really trustable, professional, caring. I couldn't express how I appreciate her for working on my case. I'm really grateful and so lucky to have her taking care of my case which is still ongoing now. No matter what the result will be, I believe Branka will help me to achieve whatever I can. I trust her and I really rely on her.
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13 Apr, 2017 by Melissa
I hired Branka in 2012 as my family law lawyer and she has fought long and hard ever since for my children and I. We went through an entire custody battle, I did not have my children to begin with and I do now . She is very passionate about her work and does a very thorough job. We've had to go back to court many times and she has truely been a God sent. I would never have been able to fight this very stressful battle successfully without her by my side.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
In 2016 we were looking for Family Law Attorney to help our son with his divorce and child custody case. Branka Vukshich came highly recommended through our church conference. Her devotion to her client, knowledge of the law, professionalism and concern for doing what is right, honest and truthful is a positive relationship to work with. She believes in her clients and will give 150% while only asking 100% of the client. She was very up front in telling us that the court has the final decision in any case, so that we were prepared. We were very pleased with Branka. Both the divorce and the child custody case turned out just as had worked for. Would highly recommend her to others.
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16 Oct, 2014 by Susan
I hired Deborah blind to handle my very difficult divorce. Since I had never been divorced before she was so patient and understanding of my situation. I did not know where to begin or where to go, she helped me greatly and relieved a lot of my anxiety. It was great to turn my stress over to a professional. In the end her professionalism and knowledge gave me the peace of mind to carry on as a single person.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Penny
I hired Deborah Gordon for my child support modification case after a breach of trust by my prior attorney, which occurred shortly before my trial date. I was reluctant to trust anyone at that time, and I never imagined I'd trust an attorney again. Deborah changed that. She is highly professional, ethical and committed to fighting for her clients best interests. She kept me fully informed throughout the entire process. She was thorough with her explanations of my options and made sure I fully understood the impact of the decisions I was making. She took my case during the holidays and with little time left to prepare for court dates. She was completely on top of everything, and went above and beyond to meet deadlines. Once I realized I was in good hands, my stress level went down. Her attention to detail resulted in catching a significant mistake made by my previous attorney. She advocated tenaciously on my behalf, and for the first time I felt like I had a voice in my case. Her efforts resulted in a successful modification, and by the end of the case she had truly earned my trust and respect. My only regret is not knowing her in time to handle my original divorce case.
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31 Jul, 2014 by Stevens: happy client
Deborah Gordon is excellent! She is not only aggressive in her style when need be, but she also encourages peaceful settlements. I went to her because my friend recommended her and upon meeting her, I immediately dropped my attorney and hired her. She did more work in our first few meetings than my previous lawyer did in 3 months. She made time for me and she kept me focused on my goals. She recommended alternatives and what she felt was best, and really acted like a team player with me. She involved me in decisions and respected my concerns. I was and remain very, very happy with Deborah as my lawyer.
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21 Dec, 2012 by Jack
Our's was a family law child support case and it was recently settled to our satisfaction, with John Curry representing us. John was very professional, knowledgeable and did a nice job negotiating with our adversary's lawyer. What stood out for us during the entire process was John's low fees and billings. This was the most cost effective legal proceeding we have experienced!
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31 Jan, 2020 by Bill
Valerie and Renee were both very focused on helping me work through my divorce. My experience before Valerie with 2 other divorce attorney's was horrible to say the least. I wasted my money and had to fire them both! Valerie was able to get to the facts and help me understand my rights. I cannot thank Valerie enough, she was able to get me 50% custody of my boys!! I had to take this all the way to trial Valerie and Renee put together everything we needed to succeed in trail and get a fair resolution for ALL the issues I was experiencing with my ex... Valerie was 100% successful in this for me. Thank you both Valerie and Renee!
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25 Jun, 2018 by Leah
I could not be happier with Valerie and her assistant Renee in my divorce. They were on top of everything and made things easier on me during this time in my life. They truly made me feel that they were working for me and had my back. Even at times when I felt like things weren't going the way they should they always reassured me and I always left their office with a smile on my face. I highly recommend using them. Not only did i gain 2 new friends, they got me my house and my patio furniture back. Forever grateful.
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30 May, 2018 by Stacy
Valerie and her assistant Renee are a team that I would highly recommend for any family law need. Valerie represented me recently for a divorce, and several years ago for a child custody case, both with highly successful results. She also represented a family member in a difficult divorce, with a successful outcome. Valerie knows what to do, and she genuinely cares about her clients, and their future. Thank you Valerie and Renee!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Rm
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01 Oct, 2024 by Corby weaver
Deborah Gordon did a libelous work on my name . She then ducked my charges on her licensure The end.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Alicia lemasters
I had nothing but great experiences with this law firm. I worked closely with Deborah and Diane. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable when I had questions. They talked me through everything and didn't have an issue when I asked a million questions. Would go back again if needed. Thank you so much!!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Arlene
My experience with the paralegal, Alexis was excellent. I did not feel Sara was as prepared as she could have been for the first court hearing, but I was generally satisfied with her services. However the clincher for me was receiving a late notice mid-month on services that were rendered only the week prior. My case was finishing up and I was waiting another week (until the end of the month when invoices had previously been generaled) to pay my final bill. Robin Edwards again sent the invoice as a late notice and then had the audacity to accuse me of arguing. Robin was rude and unprofessional. Unfortunately what had been a good experience turned sour.
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13 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Going through a divorce can be a lonely and alienating process even in the best of times. For me, it was just one of many difficult things I was dealing with simultaneously. Sara's dedication and thoroughness in my case was exceptional and a huge relief and allowed me more time an energy in the day. I cannot recommend her more.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
If you are looking to spend your life savings via being nickeled and dined this is the attorney for you. Sara continually falsified documents made erroneous charges for services not rendered, and in the end left me with an uncial butnden that was unnecessary. Leach is her last name and if the money sucked out of you this is your attorney. Run people just runs
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25 Feb, 2024 by Star gaze
Wouldn't recommend, all he wants is your money with no real work or representation. Makes your life miserable with court date after court date till you have no more money. Then get dumped.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Sami lou sharbono
We partnered with Tim Edwards from 2018-2019. We had nothing but great feedback, updates, expectations were set, understood and other items explained as needed. I would recommend this law firm to everyone! 10/10
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30 Jun, 2023 by Kimberley rockwood
Tim Edwards and Associates served as my Family Law team over several years. Their team is excellent and supportive. Sara Leach was my lawyer for several years, through several difficult motions, a divorce, creation of a parenting plan, development of a pension division order, and many appeals. Her guidance and expertise was top-notch, and she truly wanted to help us find the best resolution possible. Highly, highly recommend her for all family law matters.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Tyler
Kristina was very helpful during the initial consultation. She agreed to prepare the final documents for my divorce. She represented me and I did not need to contact the other attorneys or go into court. She made the process easier to go through and I felt supported during that time. She is a great attorney. I hope to never go through something like this again, but if I do, I'll choose her to represent me.
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09 Apr, 2021 by Ryan
I have an extensive track record of working with Kristina, as she represented my family through a very complicated guardianship case. After 7months, 200 emails, 40+ phone calls and an all-day mediation, I can say with confidence that she is an excellent attorney and I recommend her without hesitation. She is smart, strong, empathetic, and ridiculously hard working. I was particularly impressed with her ability to navigated complex family dynamics, as well as her responsiveness and reliability.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
My experience with this firm was not positive. I hired Kristina for a divorce through a workplace referral. Her office got the first billing wrong and then informed me that they would not correct it for a month. Once I insisted that it be corrected immediately, they sent to corrected statement to the wrong email address. Then, when I informed her office that I wasn't confident that they could accurately handle my case and would hire another attorney, they're response was to attack me and blame me for not responding to their requests in a timely manner. I'm not sure what that had to do with the errors they made, but I guess it made them feel better? They also returned paperwork to my OLD home address, to my EX, after I specifically gave them instructions to send it to a different address, in a different city. I parted ways with them in early August, and just finally received the balance of my paperwork due at the end of last week, about one month later. Because of their uncooperative attitude, I used a company representative to get my retainer and paperwork back.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Doug
My friend referred me to Chad Eubanks for my divorce. He did her divorce and she spoke highly of him. I was losing sleep and could not work with the stress. My (now) ex-wife wanted half of my two businesses I started years before we were married or I knew her. She also wanted me to see our two kids 4 days a month when I spent more time with them than her during most of our marriage. Chad put me at ease he would not let that happen. We went to court several times and he was the most articulate and prepared attorney in the court room. I got my both my businesses, and our children spend half their time with me. Could not have asked for better representation.
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03 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
If Chad had been upfront with me about what to expect from the state of Washington, I could have saved a lot of money. He was hard to get a hold of throughout the whole process and the divorce was dragged out for a year and a half. I would never recommend Chad Eubanks to anyone going through a divorce.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Chad in December 2021, for what I was told was an easy parenting plan modification and to enforce child support from my ex. It started out okay, Chad told me in our consultation that my case was an easy and straightforward one, although I did warn him that my ex-husband had potential to be extremely combative and so I was a little bit nervous about the process. But I trusted that I had a good lawyer on my side and that there was a light at the end of the tunnel soon. It took a couple months to get the initial draft for the parenting plan. I reviewed it right away and had a couple of minor adjustments that I requested he make. He also needed to be put in touch with my ex to get his financial information to calculate child support. I put them both on an email together with clear instructions on what was needed. Chad did update me, about a month later, that he had the info he needed as well as the new support order and would send it over shortly. This is where Chad slowly began to disappear... Over the course of the next few months, I reached out many times asking what the status was, if there was anything I needed to do, when I could expect to get an update, etc. No response. Then I asked him when I would receive the updated documents, and he responded "These are done, I will have them for you shortly". Okay, I keep waiting. Again, nothing. At one point, I got an automated email that his paralegal had left the firm. After I asked once again for the updated drafts that he had said were done, he replied back that his paralegal had done them and since she left, he needed to do them again. I understand that if your paralegal unexpected left, it could set you back, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt and just... kept waiting. Another several weeks go by, and still no update. Several emails went completely ignored. Eventually, after I expressed my frustration and explicitly explained that this was extremely stressful and that I felt ignored, he replied back that he "sent me the documents months ago". I explained that he sent me the initial documents months ago, but not the revised ones, and that if he DID send them, would he please send them again....and still...nothing. About 7 months after I initially hired him, I sent an email explaining that my ex was escalating and I needed to get this taken care of, and to PLEASE respond back to at least just let me know what to expect, and I was still met with just vague dismissive answers. Finally, he told me that he needed my income information before he could finalize the support order. Why wasn't this asked for months ago? I had asked several times if there was anything else I needed to do, and this was not even brought up until now, over 7 months later. I sent him the information right away. I also explained, one more time, that dealing with my ex and getting no support was extremely stressful, and to PLEASE put some urgency into this, or at the very least, just keep me updated on where we stand or what to expect. That was one month ago. And I still haven't heard a word from him. He used up my 5k retainer, and nothing was accomplished, 8, almost 9 months later. I finally just hired a new lawyer. She has already accomplished more in a week than Chad did for me in almost 9 months. I could have had a whole new kid in that amount of time! I see that Chad has a few great reviews and honestly I don't doubt that he CAN be a decent lawyer who can get stuff done for you..if he wants to. But I also see reviews that sound similar to mine, so apparently I am not the only client he has blown off. For whatever reason, he decides certain clients aren't worth his time. He wasted 9 months of MY time AND my money, for nothing. You're taking a gamble if you hire Chad. Yeah maybe he'll do a great job for you. Or maybe he'll treat you like a pile of crusty dishes, growing taller crustier and mustier by the day, that he'll flat out ignore for nine stressful months. Thanks for nothing, Chad.
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22 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Would not recommend him at all for family law not worth the money . He doesn’t look into his clients back grounds before he appears in court
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09 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired him upon reference to handle my divorce. It was the worst service ever, he is unprofessional, take months to respond. He didn't fight at all on behalf of me. Due to lack of experience I didn't realize that the deal I got was the worst possible deal. Whether is child support/spousal support or property distribution. Basically my entire future got jeopardized as he didn't fight and agreed to every unreasonable demand the opposite party had. DO NOT HIRE HIM.
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20 Dec, 2022 by Mehwish
He is very understandable good lawyer He’s back to my country he understand my language Urdu
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17 Aug, 2024 by Shane sarles
Used as arbitrator, did not read through and consider the evidence and facts provided. Awarded ex spouse home equity in home she did not own and awarded myself all of the debt. Awarded ex my retirement when that was not on the table. Decision was unexpectedly not based on Washington laws. I was per se because I had no funds available due to tremendous debt. Ex was represented by attorney that provided NO EVIDENCE of claims. However, the ruling did not reflect this. I would not recommend as arbitrator due to bias.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Noriaz ali
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29 Jul, 2024 by Hailyani atikan
Atikan
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
  4. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals.
  5. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases.
  6. Who will be handling my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
  • Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
  • List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
  • Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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